Educational cooperation between China and the United States is mutually beneficial, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a press briefing on Thursday, adding that China has always opposed the politicization of educational cooperation.

When asked to comment on the Trump administration's June 4 decision to suspend entry into the United States for foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard University for an initial six months, Lin said the latest move by the U.S. will only damage its international credibility.

China will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students and scholars overseas, the spokesperson said.